Box Canyon
Key Takeaway
Box Canyon is classified as low hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 105 ft (taller than 62% in WA) |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Normal Storage | 69.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8,850 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24,900 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 350,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00013 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
PUD #1 of Pend Oreille County
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Vaagen Mitigation Control Structure
Pend Oreille, WA
Low HazardIone Mill Pond
Pend Oreille, WA
Low HazardMetaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3
Pend Oreille, WA
Significant HazardPend Oreille Mine Nw Tailings Dam
Pend Oreille, WA
Significant HazardPend Oreille Mine Ne Tailings Dam
Pend Oreille, WA
Significant HazardSullivan Lake
Pend Oreille, WA
High Hazard 25 ftD1 Big Meadow Lake Dam
Pend Oreille, WA
Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Box Canyon?
Box Canyon is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Box Canyon?
Box Canyon is owned by PUD #1 of Pend Oreille County (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Box Canyon built?
Box Canyon was completed in 1955, making it 71 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Box Canyon?
Box Canyon serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Box Canyon?
Box Canyon has a dam height of 105 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Box Canyon last inspected?
Box Canyon was last inspected on May 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.